We’re working to make Aira Force and Gowbarrow as accessible as possible. While the rugged terrain poses challenges, steps are being taken to ensure everyone can enjoy the site’s history and beauty. Learn more about accessibility and how to plan your visit. Aira Force supports the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
Getting here, parking and facilities
There is a brown sign on the A592 for the main Aira Force car park with welcome building, toilets and tearoom.
It is an open air car park with a tarmac, gravel and compacted earth surface.
There are four Blue Badge parking bays. The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m from the visitor reception.
It is possible to drop visitors off outside the Welcome Building if all designated parking bays are full.
Parking is free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders, but charges apply for all other visitors.
There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the site with regular bus services.
The Welcome Building can be found in the main Aira Force car park.
The following are available in the Welcome Building; seating, facilities for assistance dogs, maps and a large map in the car park, virtual tour and second hand book shop.
Access into the area is via steps and a slight ramp/slope (which bypasses any steps).
The slope is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
There are 3 steps, which are unmarked, with no handrails.
There is step-free level access around the area.
The majority of aisle widths are over 150cm.
There is room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm) throughout the area.
All flooring is smooth and even.
There is step-free level access to the counter.
The height of the counter is 90cm.
There is not a low level section at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
The counter has a clearly signed hearing assistance system.
There are chairs without armrests available in the visitor reception.
There is no (or very little) background noise here.
Lighting levels are moderate to good.
The tea-room is approximately 100m from the car park and 200m from the Welcome Building. Follow the path from the main car park to the side of the toilet block.
There is one relatively steep incline up a natural banking, next to the toilet block. The rest of the path is level.
The path is of slate chippings.
A concrete ramp leads to the entrance of the tearoom.
The entrance door is 79cm wide, and is a manual, inwards opening door with a glass window. This is visible from the counter – staff can assist with opening the door if required.
The tearoom has a hard floor and few soft furnishings, so there are some sound echoes. Rubber feet have been added to the chairs to try and minimise noise.
The tearoom is lit with a combination of natural light and LED spotlight bulbs.
The tables and chairs are not fixed and are moveable as required.
The counter height is 90cm.
Straws, chunky handled cutlery, and double-handled mugs are available on request.
Outdoors there is an open patio area which has circular wooden picnic tables.
The toilet and changing facilities available include: an accessible toilet solely for the use of disabled people and a step free standard toilet.
The toilet with adaptations can be found in the toilet block to the left side of the toilet block.
This toilet is approximately 40m from the visitor reception in the building near the road entrance to the car park at Aira Force.
There is one manual wheelchair available to borrow for free at the Welcome Building.
The picnic area is located to the right of the Welcome Building and there is step-free level access into the area. Adapted picnic tables are available.
The path to the glade and arboretum is gravel with uneven sections and slopes.
The paths to the waterfall are uneven, with steep sections, rough stone steps, narrow sections and loose gravel.
The path to Aira Green on Ullswater lakeshore is accessible for most, with a gravel surface and slope. There is the A591 to cross and a gate leading off the road.
Walking routes
The linear walk from Aira Force to Glencoyne is suitable for many, there is a detailed route description with map and photos that can be downloaded.
At the Welcome Building, our Virtual Reality (VR) headset offers you two routes to explore: a walk up to the stunning waterfall or a hike up to the scenic Gowbarrow Fell. Free to use. It is a seated experience.
Listen to this audio track to find out what about Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park.
Listen to a short history of Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park.
We welcome disabled visitors, companions, carers and assistance dogs. Find out about our Essential Companion pass for individuals and Links Pass for groups.
Go on an outdoor adventure at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park this spring. Whether you're following the pathway through the woodland to see the waterfall, looking for rare red squirrels or skimming stones on the shore of Ullswater there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had come rain or shine.
Stop for refreshments at Aira Force tea-room for a delightful selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes and sandwiches. Perfect for refuelling during your Ullswater Way walk or waterfall adventure.
This is a 3-mile walk through the upland hill farm of Glencoyne, with great views of Ullswater. You will pass through woodlands that are home to red squirrels, as well as historic farm buildings and charcoal pitsteads.
Aira Force is a three pawprint rated place, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome here. There are water bowls around the car park and tea-room area. Please read the Canine Code to make sure everyone has an enjoyable day.
